All this granted, much remains. The contradictions are of minutiae, not substance; in essentials the synoptic gospels agree remarkably well, and form a consistent portrait of Christ. In the enthusiasm of its discoveries the Higher Criticism has applied to the New Testament test of authenticity so severe that by them a hundred ancient worthies-e.g., Hammurabi, David, Socrates-would fade into legend. Despite the prejudices and theological preconceptions of the evangelists, they